Public Institution

Illinois State University — Normal, Illinois

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Annual Tuition $16,021

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 89%

Open Admission

Enrollment 18,414

Active Students

Avg. Salary $62,117

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Normal, Illinois

Institution type Public

Accreditation Higher Learning Commission

Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Illinois State University stands as a pillar of higher education in Normal, providing a robust academic foundation for 18,414 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus

Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Illinois State University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Illinois State University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing

21%

Enrollment Share

Education

16.7%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions

9.4%

Enrollment Share

Communications

5.9%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts

4.5%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science

4.5%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Communications College

The Communications program at Illinois State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Illinois State University provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Illinois State University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 89%

Difficulty Low

Illinois State University maintains an acceptance rate of 89%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 43.9%

Women Enrollment 56.1%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT

ACT

SAT Reading 510 - 620

SAT Mathematics 500 - 610

ACT English 21 - 27

ACT Mathematics 19 - 26

Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Illinois State University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $16,021

Out-of-State Tuition $28,086

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 30.1%

Median Student Debt $20,482

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $16,021, graduates see a median starting salary of $62,117, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Illinois.

What salary can Illinois State University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $62,117

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 66.3%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $18,996

Median Salary (6yr) $50,599

Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average

Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Illinois State University in Normal?

18,414 Students

Gender Comparison

43.9% Men

56.1% Women

Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

81.3%

Retention First-year

Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian

0.1%

Pacific Islander

Asian

2.8%

Black

11.5%

White

66.5%

Unknown

0.5%

Hispanic

13.9%

Two or More Races

International

0.8%

Campus Demographics

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Avg. Age at Entry 20

🎓

First-Generation 29.6%

💰

Receive Pell Grant 48.1%

🎖️

Veterans 0.4%

💍

Married Students 1.4%

🔄

Retention (Part-time) 44.4%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income	$74,746
Average Family Income	$80,963
Median Family Income	$67,099

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

46.6%

53.4%

Women Men

Premium Campus Location

Explore the Normal Campus Environment

Located at North and School Streets, Illinois State University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Illinois. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan

Access High Connectivity

Get Directions Open in Google Maps

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How does Illinois State University compare?

Direct Comparison Illinois State University vs Heartland Community College →

Direct Comparison Illinois State University vs Paul Mitchell the School-Normal →

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Common Questions about Illinois State University

Is Illinois State University a good college in Normal, Illinois?

Illinois State University is a recognized institution in Normal with an enrollment of 18,414 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Illinois based on Department of Education data.

Is Illinois State University worth attending in 2026?

Yes, Illinois State University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $62,117. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.

How much does Illinois State University cost for Illinois residents in 2026?

For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Illinois State University is approximately $16,021. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $28,086. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.

What is the real cost of Illinois State University after financial aid and FAFSA?

The real cost of attending Illinois State University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 48.1% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.

Is Illinois State University good for Business & Marketing and Education programs?

Illinois State University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Education programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.

What career can I get after attending Illinois State University?

Graduates of Illinois State University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $62,117, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.

What are the admission requirements for Illinois State University?

Illinois State University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.

Does Illinois State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

No, Illinois State University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.

What salary can Illinois State University graduates expect after 10 years?

Graduates of Illinois State University earn a median salary of $62,117 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.

Is Illinois State University a good investment compared to other IL colleges?

Illinois State University stands out as a high-value investment in Illinois. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.

Where is Illinois State University located and what is the campus like?

Illinois State University is located at North and School Streets in Normal, IL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 18,414 learners.

Who typically attends Illinois State University in Normal, IL?

The student body at Illinois State University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 29.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.

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2026 Rankings: Illinois

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Illinois State University with other leading institutions in Illinois across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

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